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PENNSYLVANIA WEATHER

Average Soil Losses in PA are 4.5 tons per acre per year

Average Soil Losses in PA are 4.5 tons per acre per year


By Blake Jackson

Water-driven soil erosion remains a serious concern for both agricultural productivity and environmental health across the United States, including Pennsylvania.

According to the USDA’s most recent National Resources Inventory (NRI), Pennsylvania’s cropland in 2017 experienced average soil losses of 4.5 tons per acre per year (T/A/yr) on Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and 1.5 T/A/yr on non-HEL.

While this marks improvement from 1987 figures-6.1 T/A/yr on HEL and 1.7 T/A/yr on non-HEL-erosion levels remain problematic, contributing to declining soil health, lower crop yields, and degraded water quality.

Although erosion data is typically reported as an annual average, most erosion is driven by short, intense rainstorms. For instance, Mannheim recently received over four inches of rain in just 24 hours, falling on already saturated ground.

Events like this can trigger major erosion if soils are bare or poorly protected. When visible rills and gullies appear after such storms, it’s a clear sign that the soil loss far exceeds sustainable limits. These features aren't included in average erosion figures, but they signal severe degradation.

Tillage practices that break up soil structure and reduce protective residue are a leading cause of erosion. Removing all crop residue after harvest or allowing overgrazing on pastures leaves soils vulnerable to runoff.

Managing erosion effectively means keeping soil covered and minimizing disturbance year-round to guard against sudden, high-intensity weather events.

Farmers can reduce erosion risks through several proven practices:

  • Conservation tillage: Techniques like no-till and mulch-till maintain soil structure and leave residue on the surface.
  • Cover crops: Planting grasses or broadleaves during off-seasons protects the soil and enhances structure.
  • Contour farming: Aligning planting with the land’s natural contours slows water movement.
  • Vegetative barriers: Strips of grass or shrubs across slopes help filter sediment and reduce runoff speed.
  • Managed grazing: Rotational systems that prevent overuse keep pastures healthy and rooted.

Soil erosion can be controlled. By adopting these practices, farmers can preserve their land’s productivity and improve local water quality. Support is available through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-frankoppermann

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